Police Begin Pulling Over Code-3 Taxi Providers

Police have started citing code-3 vehicles that offer taxi services beginning last week. The measure comes shortly after the city Transport Authority’s decision to prohibit the use of code-3 vehicles for public transportation services.

“Several code-3 vehicles are under policy custody without tangible evidence,” said Samrawit Fikru, the co-founder and CEO of Hybrid Design, owner of Ride Taxi, which works with 900 code-3 vehicles.

The city administration took the measure stating that the taxi-hailing companies are engaged in public transportation service without proper licenses. Police have since begun pulling over code-3 cars with a Ride sticker and taking them into custody.

“My car was taken by police, and I had to pay 300 Br the next day as a fine,” said one of the taxi drivers, Naod Dechasa.

The Authorities also accuse the Ride taxi company of setting prices and destinations.

“Deploying public transportation is the mandate of our Authority,” Dawit told Fortune. “Engaging in such activity is illegal.”